Photo by Mike Stobe/Zuffa LLC
Jorge Masvidal has gained the support of mixed martial arts (MMA) fans around the world in his ongoing battle with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Masvidal, who is currently at arms with the promotion over money that fighters are not getting, has been voicing his opinions for over a week. Not only did “Gamebred” request his release from UFC if his value was not properly compensated but he also took to ESPN’s SportsCenter last weekend to raise more questions about the promotion’s lack of revenue sharing.
As a result of being locked in negotiations with UFC, Masvidal missed out on an opportunity to fight UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 this July. That title shot has since been given to surging contender Gilbert Burns.
Despite not competing since last November, and missing out on his first ever UFC title shot, Masvidal seems more than ready to hunker down and play the waiting game with UFC. He even took to Twitter yesterday to thank his fans for sticking by his side.
Thank you for the overwhelming amount of love that i have received for the stance i have taken with my employer. From the blue collar worker to the street hustlers to the rich kids and everything in between thank you so much for your words of encouragement and God bless
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 11, 2020
“Thank you for the overwhelming amount of love that I have received for the stance I have taken with my employer,” wrote Masvidal. “From the blue-collar worker to the street hustlers to the rich kids and everything in between thank you so much for your words of encouragement and God bless.”
Masvidal, who has become one of the promotion’s biggest stars just within the past year, also acknowledged the current state of the world and offered his appreciation for fans taking the time to support his cause.
With all the craziness in the world for you to take the time to write me to keep moving forward with my cause motivates me even more #TheResurrection
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 11, 2020
“With all the craziness in the world for you to take the time to write me to keep moving forward with my cause motivates me even more #TheResurrection,” he added.
As of now, there doesn’t seem to be much light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to Masvidal and the promotion. UFC president Dana White is pretty adamant that fighters who signed recent contract extensions shouldn’t be complaining about pay, especially during a pandemic, but “Gamebred” doesn’t seem to be letting off the gas anytime soon.
It’s a shame, too, as Masvidal was willing to fight just about anybody UFC threw his way for his return to the Octagon here in 2020.